Quadra i4100 Fan issue

[Dpregs]

Hey all. I have a Quadrafire i4100 insert with the factory fan. A few weeks ago the fan started acting up, first it would just shut off, then it would start up and work fine. Now, it has two speeds, super low and high. How can I check to see if it is the fan that is busted or the control box?

Any help is greatly appreciated!

 

[MofoG23]

I just replaced my fan due to the bearings finally wearing out (may have been lack of maintenance on my side...cleaning). What you describe sounds like the control box....

An easy way to determine which is bad would be to put a volt meter on the motor leads. You should see a smooth voltage increase / decrease when you move the rheostat. If the voltages jump around, I'd say your control box is bad. If you see a smooth voltage transition throughout the entire range, then the blower assembly (motor) could be bad.

If you want, I could take voltage readings on my unit if you feel that could help - might give you a baseline. Just let me know....

 

[Dpregs]

Hey Mofo, thanks for the reply. That would be awesome if you could test the voltages so I could compare! I tested it on the two leads where you take the fan off to install. My readings did not very too much. I tried both ac and dc (although I think it is dc...but I am no electrician).

 

[Dpregs]

Any luck in getting those voltage changes? Anyone have them already?

 

[MofoG23]

Sorry, I have to pull the front off as I can't easily get to the terminals....I did a good job tucking the wiring up with a tip tie....should have them very soon.

 

[Dpregs]

Thank you!

 

[begreen]

From the problem description, it sounds like the speed control is failing. When motors fail it's usually the bearings that go from lack of lubrication. The motor goes slower and is hard to get started. Often a high pitched whine will come from the dry bearings.